Safer pedestrian facilities for South Hobar

PEDESTRIAN improvement works undertaken in South Hobart are set to make the busy area much safer for road users.

City of Hobart traffic engineering manager Angela Moore said the South Hobart community had been very active in lobbying for pedestrian improvements in Macquarie Street.

“The community’s application for Commonwealth Government Black Spot funding was successful,” she said.

“This, along with City of Hobart funding, will allow for upgrades to the existing pedestrian crossing points in Macquarie Street.”

Pedestrian traffic signals across Macquarie Street near Elboden Street were included in the project in response to a community petition and will help people cross this busy road.

“This is particularly important for older people living in or visiting the nearby aged care facilities,” Ms Moore said.

“The new raised thresholds along the southern side of Macquarie Street provide a step-free path for people moving through South Hobart.

“Before we did these works, there were a number of side streets that you couldn’t get across with a wheelchair or pram because of the high kerbs.”

The pedestrian crossing in Macquarie Street (between Bupa Aged Care South Hobart and Lady Gowrie Integrated Child and Family Centre) has been enhanced as part of the project.

A new widened traffic island will be completed at this location in March.

The south side of Macquarie Street now has a continuous step-free path with raised thresholds at Anglesea, Denison, Weld and Downie streets.

The City’s crew is currently working on the installation of traffic signals near the intersection of Macquarie and Elboden streets.

In the middle of March, when the project is complete, there will be new paving, plantings and street furniture, a painted uphill bike lane and an improved parking space for people with disabilities in Elboden Street.

Elboden Street may be closed for a short period to allow for the construction of the raised threshold.